Half Follis of Anastasios I, Constantinople c. 498 - 518

Curator: This is a half follis coin of Anastasios I, from Constantinople. It weighs about 4 grams. Editor: It's amazing, isn’t it? The patina hints at centuries passed. I imagine the hands this coin has exchanged. Curator: Indeed. Anastasios I’s monetary reforms stabilized the Byzantine economy, impacting social structures by enabling fairer trade. Editor: I’m drawn to the symbolism—the emperor's profile and the prominent "K." It speaks to power, faith, and economic control, all intertwined. Curator: Precisely. Coins served as propaganda. They broadcast the emperor's image and authority throughout the Byzantine world. Editor: Looking at it through today’s lens, it’s a tangible reminder of how deeply economics and identity are connected. Curator: It's incredible to think about the ripple effect of this coin, from daily transactions to imperial power. Editor: Yes, art objects like these are portals into complex histories that still resonate today.